Overview
Taiwan’s deep south is a land of banana palms, pineapple fields and fringing coral reefs. Away from the coast, huge mountains dominate the landscape and are home to a number of indigenous Taiwanese communities including the Rukai and Paiwan, many of whom continue to live a traditional existence (albeit with a few modern twists), just a stone’s throw from the bright lights of Kaohsiung.
Our ride presents ever-changing views of the rich Taiwanese countryside, mango orchards, papaya and dragon fruit plantations, Buddhist temples, Christian churches, and maybe even the odd monkey or snake. Along the way, you’ll find numerous hot springs which are perfect to soothe aching muscles after a day in the saddle. The ride ends in Kenting, Taiwan’s tropical playground, where there are endless activities on offer including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking and surfing.
The distances and predominantly downhill nature of the ride make it readily achievable for most riders of reasonable fitness.
Pedal assist E-bikes are an available option on this tour for $275.
230 Km riding. The distances and predominantly downhill nature of the ride makes it readily achievable for most riders of reasonable fitness. Our first day in the mountains around Baolai allows riders to get a feel for their bikes and the gears on traffic-free roads at altitudes of 500-1000m. The next couple of days are predominantly downhill, whilst the longest day’s riding, from Santimen to Sizhongxi is almost entirely flat.
Highlights
Explore Fo Guang Shan Monastery, home to an enormous Buddha statue, talk to nuns and monks and try calligraphy or meditation.
Pedal along the Lanonong River with incredible views of the Southern Mountains before a refreshing swim in a mountain pool.
Cycle to an indigenous Paiwan village to soak your legs in hot springs before a traditional meal.
Hike through coral passageways, past dark caverns, looking out for monkeys and deer in Kenting National Park.
Day to Day
This morning we’ll meet in central Kaohsiung, and transfer out of the city to the massive complex of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, home to one of the world’s biggest Buddhist statues. We’ll have the opportunity to chat with some of the nuns and monks and possibly try our hand at calligraphy or meditation.
After a chance to soak up the surroundings, we’ll enjoy a local meal before continuing to the indigenous mountain village of Baolai. On arrival, we’ll have a bike fitting and then take a short but steep ride further into the mountains. In the evening we’ll have a full briefing of the adventure ahead and a dinner of local specialties. After dinner, there will be time to enjoy the private hot springs in your room.
Our ride today follows the course of the Laonong River, one of the island’s best whitewater rafting rivers, with the huge Southern Mountains ominous and ever-present to the left. We’ll get great views of the 18 Arhats (aka “Little Guilin”) as we move along the valley, and if it gets too hot there’s the chance to take a dip in a refreshing mountain pool. Ride’s end is a lovely resort near the village of Santimen, a living showcase of indigenous Paiwan and Rukai culture.
Our longest day’s ride is also the flattest as we continue south on a lovely little road which skirts the mountains, eventually joining the main coastal route to the tropical south. Towards the end of the day, we’ll pedal inland to the Paiwan village of Sizhongxi where yet more soothing hot springs await. In the evening we’ll head out for a traditional indigenous meal.
Our final day’s ride is a cracker, crossing the spine of the Hengchun Peninsula to emerge on the rugged Pacific East Coast. From here we’ll pedal our way to the island’s southernmost point, and then it’s just a short ride to beautiful Kenting. In the afternoon there’ll be time for some snorkeling or surfing, or to just relax by the hotel pool with a book. In the evening we'll get together for a final dinner to celebrate our southern adventure.
This morning we’ll head up into Kenting’s rugged national park, which offers fantastic views of the whole peninsula. We’ll hike through uplifted coral passageways, eerie caverns and past giant banyans, possibly spotting monkeys, eagles, deer and even snakes. After our hike, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up and then have a final lunch together before making the drive back to Kaohsiung where the tour ends (approximately 3pm). For those who want to stay longer in Kenting, we can arrange additional accommodation at our lovely tour hotel, plus a range of activities.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
With our experience bringing you high-quality tours in Taiwan, we have carefully crafted this itinerary to expose the highlights of the south, with rewarding cycling, cultural immersion, and gorgeous views. Visit rural indigenous villages for a greater sense of Taiwanese heritage, and come away from this cycling experience with lasting memories and an appreciation for this cycling-friendly country.
